Nafion degradation mechanisms in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system: A review

Nafion is one of the polymer materials used as polymer electrode membrane (PEM) for fuel cells. However, the electrochemical reaction and water management processes that occur at the catalyst layer affect the performance and degradation of the membrane in the fuel cell resulting in various degradation mechanisms. Understanding the degradation mechanisms of the Nafion membrane in operation, the anhydrous and electrochemical conditions in the fuel cell is highly a necessity as outlined in this review. This review further recommends that further improvement in the Nafion membrane can be made by fabrication and coating the Nafion membrane with materials that can withstand the electrochemical environment in the fuel cell.